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Businesses welcome SNP’s new deal on business rates

17 Oct 2015

The Institute of Directors has welcomed the SNP’s announcement that they will give local councils the powers to set business rates.

David Watt, Executive Director of IoD Scotland, said:

“The Deputy First Minister’s announcement today will be warmly welcomed by businesses across Scotland. Giving local authorities the power to set business rates won’t just increase accountability in local areas, but will encourage real competition between authorities to create the most business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and established firms alike.

“Businesses north and south of the border have been clear that they want enterprise to be put at the heart of the devolution agenda, with nearly two-thirds of IoD members backing the kind of radical plan announced today.

“We hope this new deal will pave the way for councils to use these new powers to attract businesses, encourage start-ups in new industries, and regenerate high streets.

“But this week’s Scottish unemployment figures show that there is much still to do, and we call on both Holyrood and Westminster to do more to encourage wealth and job creation by reducing the regulatory burden and investing in much-needed infrastructure.”